Installing solar panels is a great way to save money on your electric bill and help the environment at the same time. But these systems are a big investment, and you might be wondering how you would be able to protect your investment, especially since solar panels are constantly exposed to the elements. Well, the good news is that all solar energy systems come with a standard warranty, so if something were to happen, you could get your panels fixed and keep them working as long as possible; not only that, but there are also additional warranties that you can purchase to cover any scenario that might not be covered under a standard warranty. Knowing your solar panel system warranty options can save you even more money down the road.

What A Solar System Warranty Covers

When you purchase a solar energy system, you know you are getting a quality product, because all solar energy companies will back up their claims with warranties that will protect both the panels themselves and the production output of the panels. In other words, you will be covered if your solar panels are damaged or if they begin to lose efficiency. When you purchase a solar panel system, you will receive two main types of warranties from the manufacturer:

1. Product warranty- This type of warranty covers solar panel defects and equipment failures, including any issues with the inverters and batteries. If you have faulty wires, or  your equipment sustains environmental damage,  your product will be replaced. Solar panels are pretty durable, so many companies will offer a 10-12 year product warranty, while others might offer up to 25 years.
2. Performance warranty– This type of warranty focuses on the performance of the solar panels and their electrical production over their lifespan. Typically, the efficiency of solar panels will decrease by an average of 1% per year, but they should lose no more than 10-20% over 25 years; if you experience a drop in efficiency greater than that, your panels will be replaced under the terms of your performance warranty.

Warranties You Should Have

Solar Inverter

The inverter is the piece of equipment that converts solar energy into a form of electricity that you can use to power your home. Solar inverters come with their own warranty, but they are usually covered for a shorter period of time than solar panels are; it’s important to check your warranty because you will most likely end up having to replace your inverter at some point in the lifetime of your solar panel system.

Power Optimizer

Power optimizers on solar panel installations can fail, but they are easy to replace, and most reputable companies will cover them with a 25-year warranty. 

Racking & Mounting

Solar panels are installed on your roof or on the ground with a racking and mounting system; this system should also have its own warranty, because it’s what holds up your solar panels, and helps protect your roof. Typically solar energy companies will provide a 10-20 year warranty on racking and mounting gear.

Workmanship

Most solar companies will also offer a warranty on their workmanship, which covers system installation and design. This type of warranty will vary based on the company, with some covering the cost of routine equipment servicing, while other companies do not cover this cost.

Why You Need Warranties

A solar panel system is a huge investment, and not something you should purchase without considering all of your options, including your options for warranties. If anything goes wrong with your panels or the system itself, you will want to make sure that you are covered so that you can receive new equipment at no extra cost to you. You don’t want to wait until something goes wrong to check your warranty, because you might find out yours has expired, it doesn’t cover your problem, or that the company who installed your system does not offer a warranty at all! 

When choosing your solar energy system, make sure that it will be completely covered and that the warranties are for as long as possible, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out money for any unexpected repairs. Remember, too, to always take care of your solar panels by cleaning them and using all the equipment as intended, so you don’t void the manufacturer’s warranty. The best way to find a great plan with a long warranty that will cover every aspect of your solar energy system is to work with a Go Solar Energy agent. Our agents work with the top-rated companies in the nation, and will compare plans in minutes, for free. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code on our homepage, or to speak with an agent, call 888-290-3112.